Core Insights - The Japanese supermarket industry is experiencing a transformation with a focus on efficiency and customer experience, despite the low online sales penetration of only 1.4% [1][7][8] Group 1: Sales Performance - The total sales of the Japanese supermarket industry reached approximately 1.2 trillion RMB by the end of 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 3.9% and achieving three consecutive years of growth [2] - The number of supermarkets in Japan stands at 23,039, with a net decrease of 35 stores compared to the previous year [4] Group 2: Workforce and Labor Trends - The workforce in the supermarket sector has shown stability, with an increase in the proportion of female employees from 24.4% to 26.2% over the past four years [6] - The average salary for full-time employees has seen a moderate increase, with starting salaries for university graduates rising by 896 RMB over five years [6] Group 3: Digitalization and Service Trends - The adoption of digital services is accelerating, with self-checkout usage rising from 15.8% to 37.9% [6] - Non-core service functions in stores are being reduced, indicating a shift towards a more efficient and digital-focused supermarket model [6] Group 4: Consumer Behavior and Product Trends - There is a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards ready-to-eat and prepared food items, with the share of prepared foods increasing from 10.0% to 10.9% [8] - The penetration of private label (PB) products has increased significantly, with the introduction rate rising from 70.6% to 81.9% [9][10] Group 5: Financial Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises - Approximately 54.5% of surveyed companies reported increased revenue and profit, while 21.7% of medium-sized enterprises faced a "revenue increase but profit decrease" situation [14] - Rising operational costs, particularly in labor, rent, and utilities, are impacting profitability, leading to a "high-cost elimination race" in the industry [14] Group 6: Strategic Adjustments and Market Dynamics - Consumer shopping behavior is evolving, with weekday shopping focusing on convenience and efficiency, while weekends are more family-oriented and purpose-driven [15][17] - The emergence of food-focused drugstores is creating new competition for supermarkets, emphasizing the need for supermarkets to leverage their strengths in quality and trust [15][17] Group 7: Future Directions - Supermarkets must adapt to changing consumer needs and preferences, focusing on enhancing the in-store experience and building customer relationships [18] - The key to survival in the face of demographic changes and diverse consumer demands lies in understanding consumer behavior and innovating business models accordingly [18]